The CFABJ was originally founded in 1983 as the Black Media Association of Central Florida. Its mission was to form a regional network of professionals to improve skills, share ideas and experiences. Since its inception, CFABJ has been diligent in providing its members with opportunities for career growth. The chapter hosted three regional National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conferenc
es, which included sessions on ethics, writing skills and upward mobility in management. Journalists from six states in the southeastern region attended. Each year, the organization hosts the media tent at the Zora Neale Hurston Festival in Eatonville. This five-day arts and humanities festival is rated as one of the top festivals in the United States. The chapter honors its longtime participation in Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Members and friends of organization design and build a float each year featuring the theme established by the city’s parade committee. In 2004, the float won first place for Best Theme and Design. In 2001, CFABJ hosted the 26th Annual NABJ National Conference. More than 5,000 journalists and broadcasters attended the conference at Walt Disney World. The chapter assisted with the planning and ex*****on and raised more than $20,000 for its scholarship program. Currently, CFABJ supports student chapters at the University of Central Florida and Bethune-Cookman University. The chapter also provides mentoring, assistance with professional program fees, as well as regional and national conference registration for students.
